HARRY REALLY HAS CLASS TO BYRNE!

HARRY BYRNE wasn't just close to picking up the man of the man award at Thomond Park on Saturday, he has as good as played his way into Andy Farrell's Ireland thinking for the Six Nations.

- BY DEREK FOLEY

The 26-year-old Leinster out-half was calmness personified as he operated a no-frills gameplan against Munster, kicking a conversion and two penalties in the 13-8 URC victory.

Byrne's stock has risen and it looks like last term's initial three-month loan deal at Bristol which was extended to the end of the season played a big part.

"Obviously going away to Bristol was brilliant, to get the experience of a whole new team, whole new group of people," he said after playing 80 minutes.

"I suppose a whole new way of thinking opens up your eyes a little bit and Pat Lam is a brilliant coach, it was great for me.

"And then to be able to come back, to play here with Leinster, has been brilliant for me, I've been able to build on a preseason.

"I suppose anyone who wants to play wants to consistently and to be able to get that was good."